Bradford is, without question, the most underrated city break in the UK. The city is brimming with creativity, and right now, it’s getting the recognition it deserves as the UK City of Culture 2025. The cultural programme is putting the best home-grown and cultivated talent centre stage, with exhibitions, theatre, community projects and creative installations – there has never been a better time to visit.
This is a city that greets you with warmth from the moment you arrive. It’s real, full of heart, and bursting with experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else. Think immersive art installations, UNESCO World Heritage day trips, independent theatres, diverse food from across the globe, historic mill villages, and a younger, more vibrant population than almost anywhere else in the UK. Did you know that Bradford is the UK's sixth largest city? I've just had the pleasure of exploring this Northern city for a few days and, if you’ve been craving a city break that feels authentic rather than overdone, Bradford is exactly that.
Bradford deserves a spot at the top of your travel list, so I've created this guide to the best things to do in Bradford, plus a full weekend itinerary, where to stay, and how to get there in style. This is everything you need to know before your first visit to Bradford.
This blog post is a press trip partnership with Visit Bradford [AD] but I only ever share my honest reviews & travel experiences.
Best Things To Do In Bradford? Here's where you'll find:
- Bradford 2025: Why this underrated Northern city deserves to be on your radar
- Free things to do in Bradford
- How to get to Bradford from across the UK
- The best place to stay in Bradford
- The best things to do in Bradford
- Explore Immersive Art at the National Science and Media Museum
- Discover Bradford’s Street Art Scene
- Feast Through the Curry Capital of Britain
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire
- Visit The UK's only Peace Museum
- Ride the Shipley Glen Tramway
- Catch a Show at Bradford’s New Pop-Up Arts Venue: The Loading Bay
- Visit the most beautiful bookshop in the UK
- Weekend Itinerary: Things To Do in Bradford in 2 Days
Get your Bradford Essentials!
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Bradford 2025: Why this underrated Northern city deserves to be on your radar
If you’ve ever wondered “Is Bradford worth visiting?” — the answer is an easy, resounding yes. In fact, Bradford is one of the UK’s most underrated city breaks, and 2025 is the year the world finally realises it.
Bradford was crowned UK City of Culture 2025 from a record-breaking 20 bids, a title that has transformed cities like Hull and Coventry and is now set to put Bradford firmly on the cultural map. But what makes Bradford so special is that this recognition didn’t create the culture, it simply spotlighted what was already here.
This is a city with layers: a former industrial powerhouse, a vibrant melting pot of communities, the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, and the gateway to some of West Yorkshire’s most beautiful landscapes. Bradford District covers 141 square miles, two-thirds of it rural, meaning you can spend the morning exploring immersive exhibitions in the city centre and by afternoon be strolling historic cobbled streets in UNESCO World Heritage Site Saltaire. That’s the magic of Bradford, big city energy with countryside escapism just minutes away.
City of Culture 2025 brings over 1,000 events, exhibitions, performances, and installations, showcasing everything from theatre and dance to film, literature, fashion, music, and even food. It celebrates the heart of Bradford: its artists, its young, dynamic population (one of the youngest cities in the UK), and its fiercely creative, diverse communities. Yet even with its impressive accolades, Bradford still feels like a hidden gem, authentic, warm, and wonderfully unpolished in the best possible way.
Free things to do in Bradford
If you're wondering how to spend a day in Bradford, the beauty is that so many of the best experiences are completely free. You can explore the colourful street art trails, browse the historic Wool Exchange (one of the most beautiful Waterstones bookstores in the country – watch my video if you don't believe me), wander around City Park with views of the Alhambra Theatre, or dive into hands-on science at Wonderlab in the National Science and Media Museum.
A short train ride takes you to Saltaire, where you can explore its historic streets, canalside paths, and galleries without spending a penny. And let’s not forget the Curry Capital of Britain’s exceptional food scene, even a humble desi breakfast or a naan the size of your forearm feels like a cultural experience.
Bradford is absolutely worth visiting, not just because it’s affordable and bursting with history, but because it has something so many cities have lost: heart. It’s creative, welcoming, and right now, it’s having a moment. If you love discovering places before everyone else does… this is your sign to plan a trip.
How to get to Bradford from across the UK
If you're travelling to Bradford from across the UK, the easiest way to travel is either by train or driving, depending on whether you plan to stay in the city or in one of the smaller villages nearby. I recommend catching the train to Bradford, particularly if you are staying at The Midland Hotel like I did – the train station is right behind the hotel which makes it easy to get around.
I was travelling first class with LNER, which is genuinely one of the most effortless ways to start your trip. I boarded at Peterborough and within minutes, I was settled into a wide, comfortable seat with free WiFi, hot coffee, and a meal served right to my table. The journey flew by. First Class is quiet, calm, and incredibly spacious, perfect for working, reading, or simply settling into that “weekend away” feeling. By the time the train rolled into Bradford Forster Square, I felt ready to start exploring.
I was also very impressed with LNER's first class food offering – as someone who always gets a train picnic, it was great to have complimentary food and drink included in the ticket price. For breakfast I chose lemon curd and raspberry overnight oats, then for lunch I chose the parsnip fritter salad, with a dessert mango and passionfruit pot, and a cute chocolate coin to celebrate LNER's support for Bradford's City of Culture 2025 which was a lovely touch – as I was travelling to Bradford to explore the city’s arts and culture scene for the weekend. There’s lots of locally-produced food and healthier options, using suppliers based along LNER’s routes.
The best place to stay in Bradford
If you love hotels with character, you’ll be obsessed with The Midland Hotel, one of Bradford’s most historic stays, located right in the heart of the city. Built in the 19th century as a grand railway hotel, it still has all the ornate charm, sweeping staircases, stained glass, and classic Victorian features you’d hope for, but with modern comfort. Rooms are spacious, cosy, and surprisingly quiet for such a central location.
It’s also an unreal base for exploring. You’re a short walk from the National Science and Media Museum, City Park, Bradford’s street art, theatres, cafés, and the famous Leeds Road curry houses.
I loved coming back here at the end of each day, it felt like stepping into a slice of historic elegance while still being in the centre of everything. The staff are also the friendliest bunch and so happy to help with everything you need, they gave me the warmest welcome every time I walked in the doors.
Book your stay at The Midland Hotel now
The best things to do in Bradford
Bradford’s cultural scene is exceptionally rich, from cutting-edge immersive installations to historic sites and creative community spaces. Here are the top things to do in Bradford during your visit:
1. Explore Immersive Art at the National Science and Media Museum
The National Science and Media Museum is one of the most engaging cultural spaces in the UK – it's playful, thought-provoking, and packed with hands-on exhibits. The Wonderlab is a free must-see, perfect for all ages, with immersive experiments and interactive science moments. But the standout for me is YOU:MATTER, a sensory digital art experience created by Marshmallow Laser Feast. You’re immersed in light, sound, and visual storytelling that challenges how you see yourself and the world. It’s one of the most innovative art experiences in the country right now.
2. Discover Bradford’s Street Art Scene
Street art is one of Bradford’s most unexpected joys. The city’s walls are becoming open-air galleries thanks to projects like:
- BD:Walls – dynamic murals bringing colour and commentary to the streets
- Hardy & Free – a project that transforms Kirkgate Shopping Centre into a celebration of Yorkshire women and the natural world
- The Tower of Now – a 15-metre sculpture honouring Bradford’s multicultural identity
It’s a creative, evolving scene that reflects the energy of Bradford 2025 – and it’s an amazing free activity to weave into your weekend.
3. Feast Through the Curry Capital of Britain
Bradford has held the title Curry Capital of Britain six years running, and for good reason. The flavours, authenticity, and warmth of the food scene are unmatched.
A few essentials:
- Sweet Centre – the iconic spot for a traditional Pakistani desi breakfast
- Akbar’s on Leeds Road – the legendary “King of Curry”
- Darley Street Market – street-food-style dining with everything from tacos to smash burgers
- Cake ‘Ole – for colourful, towering cakes and quirky surroundings
For a full breakdown of the must-try dishes and restaurants, see my separate food guide: Bradford Food Guide – The Best Places to Eat
4. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire
A short train ride from Bradford takes you to Saltaire, a perfectly preserved Victorian mill village designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander its cobbled streets, browse independent shops, and spend time in Salts Mill, now home to historic exhibits, independent bookshops and boutiques, and one of the largest collections of David Hockney art in the world. Don’t rush this visit, Saltaire feels like stepping into a beautifully curated moment in history.
While you're exploring the village, be sure to take a stroll along the canal where you'll find houseboats bobbing on the water and The Aire Valley Sculpture Trail. Up in the village, follow Saltaire's Heritage Trail to experience the village's architectural gems, and don't miss Saltaire United Reformed Church, which looks spectacular in the autumnal sunshine (pop inside!).
Make sure to check if there are any extra exhibitions running – when I visited We Will Sing, by Ann Hamilton, had taken over the top floor of Salts Mill for a powerful installation that uses sound to play with concepts of memory and imagining. This exhibition was commissioned and produced by Bradford City of Culture 2025.
5. Visit The UK's only Peace Museum
Bradford is home to the UK’s only dedicated Peace Museum, exploring social reform, activism, and global peace movements through personal stories and historic artefacts. It’s small, meaningful, and incredibly eye-opening, especially during City of Culture 2025, when new exhibitions highlight the region’s social history. You'll find it in Salt's Mill, so don't miss this on your day out in Saltaire.
6. Ride the Shipley Glen Tramway
This charming historic tramway transports you up the glen toward walking trails and leafy views over West Yorkshire. It’s wholesome, nostalgic, and a great addition if you’re already visiting Saltaire. If, like me, you love escaping the city for a breath of fresh Yorkshire air – Shipley Glen is a must.
The quaint little tram ride takes you up to the beautiful village of Shipley and after a five minute stroll, you will find yourself at the beginning of many beautiful walking trails. You can even visit Bracken Hall Countryside Centre & Museum to learn more about the area, once you've taken in the endless views.
7. Catch a Show at Bradford’s New Pop-Up Arts Venue: The Loading Bay
Bradford’s arts scene is thriving, and The Loading Bay, a new pop-up venue for Bradford 2025, is where some of the most exciting performances are happening. I saw “Elmet”, the powerful new play by Bradford-raised Javaad Alipoor, and loved how intimate, bold, and atmospheric the venue was.
The stage adaptation of Fiona Mozley’s Booker Prize-shortlisted novel is a gutsy story of family, revenge and the ultimate price of freedom, set in the wilds of the West Riding. Check what’s on during your visit, you’ll likely find something unmissable.
8. Step into the pages of a novel at the most beautiful bookshop in the UK
If you're a book lover who can't resist visiting bookshops when you travel, you won't want to miss popping into the Waterstones book shop in Bradford city centre. It's housed in Bradford's Victorian Gothic Wool Exchange building which has spectacular high ceilings with dark beams and gothic features that bring the wow factor. I felt as though I had stepped into a scene from Harry Potter!
Weekend Itinerary: Things To Do in Bradford in 2 Days
If you're planning a weekend trip to Bradford but don't know where to start to plan your Northern adventure, here's my exact itinerary to give you a little inspiration:
Day One: Art, Culture & City Wandering
Make your journey to Bradford and kick off the trip by diving into the City of Culture 2025's thriving art scene from the immersive exhibits at the National Science and Media Museum, to the street art adorning the walls of the city and celebrating home-grown talent and local faces. How better to end your first day in the city that by experiencing the Curry Capital of the UK with a meal on the famous Leed's Road?
• Arrive by LNER First Class
• Check into The Midland Hotel
• Head to the National Science and Media Museum
• Experience YOU:MATTER and Wonderlab
• Explore Bradford’s street art, including BD:Walls and Hardy & Free
• Dinner on Leeds Road — your choice of Bradford’s famous curry houses (I recommend Akbar's!)
Day Two: Food, History & West Yorkshire Views
Start your day by experiencing Bradford's best Sunday brunch, before heading out of the city to explore a nearby village and UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a day filled to the brim with art and some fascinating exhibitions that will leave you thinking. Don't miss the UK's only Peace Museum and then finish off the day back in Bradford enjoying the best in homegrown talent in a City of Culture 2025 pop-up theatre, and then the newest city food market.
• Traditional desi breakfast at Sweet Centre
• Train to Saltaire – wander the UNESCO village
• Explore Salts Mill and the David Hockney collection
• Optional: Visit The Peace Museum
• Head back to Bradford
• Visit the Nisbet Road Tailor Shop exhibition
• Watch a performance at The Loading Bay
• Dinner at Darley Street Market
Day Three: A Sweet Finish
Round off the trip by popping into Cake ‘Ole for a final treat before catching your LNER First Class back to London, enjoying complimentary coffee, snacks, WiFi, and a relaxing end to the trip.
